The administration of Rafik Hariri Governmental University Hospital issued a statement clarifying the information circulating in some media today regarding the outbreak of scabies and the administrative matters in the hospital. They stated: "We would like to clarify at the outset that the nursing department and its management are among the essential staff on which the hospital relies, and they work diligently and humanely in serving the sick citizens. They have not faltered in this even under the most challenging conditions and during the spread of the most dangerous epidemics.
Regarding the issue of scabies, we would like to point out the following:
- About 15 days ago, the hospital received two patients who showed a possibility of being infected with scabies, and they underwent the necessary examinations and procedures regarding isolation and received the appropriate treatment.
- As a precaution against any potential spread and to protect the health of patients and staff in the hospital, the hospital is monitoring cases that may be suspected of infectious diseases or epidemics through the relevant medical departments. The hospital has experience in this regard, and everyone can attest to the staff's methods of handling the most dangerous epidemics in recent times, exemplified by COVID-19.
- Medical analyses and examinations conducted as of this Friday morning have shown that none of the hospital staff are infected with scabies.
They emphasized that "their employees in various departments are committed to the protection protocols and procedures put in place by the management, especially when dealing with patients, such as wearing masks, gloves, and frequent handwashing."
The statement concluded: "We request that the media verify any news or information before publishing it, especially matters concerning citizens' health that could harm the reputation of the hospital and its staff and incite panic among citizens. Is it conceivable to have 200 cases of scabies in a hospital? If that were the case, we would be facing an epidemic, perhaps worse. As management, we are ready to clarify and respond to any inquiries, and we have never shied away from announcing any epidemic cases that reach us. We have always informed and guided citizens and issued clarifying and guiding statements in a timely manner. We reassure citizens today that there is no outbreak of scabies at Rafik Hariri Governmental Hospital or in Lebanon."
